22/05/2008 06:01:00
Edinburgh's world renowned Hogmanay celebrations are to come under scrutiny, as its organisers aim to save money after overspending last year.
Officials have reportedly recommended that the winter festivities budget should be scaled down for 2008. According to the Scotsman, the staging of the Winter Festivals programme in Edinburgh is under strain due to two major reasons: the Scottish National Party's decision to scrap the Cities Growth Fund and the loss of a major sponsor after the Royal Bank of Scotland ended its involvement.
The producers, Edinburgh-based company Unique Events, have been asked to keep costs down after the celebrations ran over the £1.3 million budget last year.
The Edinburgh Evening News reported that city leaders are still hunting for sponsors but talks concerning the contents of the programme will soon commence. A recent study revealed that 84 percent of people interviewed believed that Edinburgh's New Year celebrations compared favourably with other popular Scottish events, such as T in the Park.
Speaking to the BBC, Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "Edinburgh's winter festival programme is world-renowned, with a fabulous offering of entertainment and culture for visitors and residents alike.
"The Winter Festivals bring £33.4 million to the city economy, proving that the benefit to the city far outweighs the Council's relatively modest sums made by the Council investment.
"I believe Edinburgh truly comes alive during the Winter Festivals and I look forward to hearing what this year's Christmas and New Year programmes have to offer."
The Hogmanay celebrations are an immensely popular Edinburgh attraction and it is estimated that the Winter Festivals programme had an economic impact of £33.4 million last year. For the next three years, Unique Events - who recently fought off competition from Newcastle firm Event International to continue in the role - will remain in charge of the Hogmanay celebrations.